Wrangell-St Elias

Wrangell-St. Elias National Preserve protects 4.8 million acres adjacent to the national park, extending the protected ecosystem while allowing sport hunting and continued subsistence activities. The preserve was established to protect additional wildlife habitat and watersheds while accommodating Alaska's hunting traditions. Together with the park, the preserve creates the largest protected area in the United States, totaling over 13 million acres of glaciers, mountains, and wilderness. The preserve shares the park's dramatic landscape where four major mountain ranges converge.

The preserve protects habitat for Dall sheep, mountain goats, brown and black bears, moose, caribou, and wolves across varied terrain from coastal rainforest to alpine peaks. The contiguous habitat with the park allows wildlife populations to range freely across their natural territories. Salmon spawn in numerous streams, providing food for bears and nutrients for the ecosystem. Marine areas support harbor seals, sea lions, and sea otters. Bird diversity is high, with over 200 species recorded.

The preserve encompasses the same diverse vegetation zones as the park, from coastal Sitka spruce forest to interior boreal forest, alpine tundra, and permanent ice. Lower elevations support forests of spruce, birch, and cottonwood, while shrub tundra dominates at higher elevations. Vast glaciers and icefields cover substantial portions of the highest terrain. Wildflower meadows bloom spectacularly in the brief summer. The varied elevations and exposures create diverse plant communities.

The preserve shares the park's remarkable geology at the convergence of the Wrangell, Saint Elias, Chugach, and Alaska mountain ranges. Ongoing tectonic compression continues building the mountains, while glaciers erode them. Active volcanism is evident at Mount Wrangell and other peaks. Over 150 named glaciers occur within the combined park and preserve. Copper deposits mined historically at Kennecott reflect the complex geological history of the region.

Climate varies dramatically across the preserve, from maritime conditions on the coast to extreme continental conditions in the interior. Coastal areas receive up to 150 inches of precipitation annually, while interior valleys may receive only 10-15 inches. Temperature extremes are pronounced, with winter lows of minus 50 degrees and summer highs reaching the 70s. Weather changes rapidly, with mountain conditions particularly severe and unpredictable.

The Ahtna, Eyak, Tlingit, and Upper Tanana peoples have inhabited the Wrangell-St. Elias region for thousands of years. The Copper River served as a major trade and travel route connecting coastal and interior peoples. Traditional lifeways centered on salmon fishing, hunting, and utilizing the region's diverse resources. The discovery of copper led to development of the Kennecott Mines, which operated from 1911 to 1938. Subsistence activities continue today under federal protection.

The preserve was established in 1980 through the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, complementing the national park to protect the larger ecosystem. The preserve designation allows regulated sport hunting, distinguishing it from the park. Management is integrated with the national park, with both units administered from Copper Center. The combination of designations reflects the compromise between conservation and Alaska's hunting traditions.

Hunting opportunities for Dall sheep, mountain goats, moose, caribou, and bears draw visitors to the preserve. The Nabesna Road provides vehicle access to the northern preserve area, with trailheads accessing backcountry. River floating offers access to remote areas, with the Copper River and tributaries providing extended trip options. Flightseeing tours offer views of glaciers, peaks, and vast wilderness. Backcountry camping allows exploration of rarely visited terrain.

The Nabesna Road provides the only vehicle access into the preserve, traversing 42 miles from the Tok Cutoff Highway. Several primitive campgrounds and trailheads are located along the road. Commercial air taxis provide access to remote locations throughout the preserve. Visitor contact stations in Chitina and along the Nabesna Road provide information. The preserve's vast size means most areas require multi-day expeditions to explore.

The preserve protects critical habitat and migration corridors that complement the national park. Sustainable harvest of wildlife continues under regulations designed to maintain healthy populations. Climate change is causing rapid glacier retreat and ecosystem changes throughout the region. The preserve works with state agencies and subsistence users to ensure sustainable resource management. Research focuses on understanding climate impacts and maintaining ecosystem integrity.